Easy Instant Pot Carnitas are a tender, juicy, and flavorful take on a traditional Mexican pulled pork dish. These carnitas are seasoned with warm spices, braised in a zesty citrus and beer-infused broth, and finished with a crispy texture. Perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, or rice plates, this recipe is incredibly versatile and can also be made in a slow cooker or oven.
Ingredients:
For the Pork:
- 2–3 pounds pork tenderloin, shoulder, or butt (trimmed and cut into large cubes)
- 1½ tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
For the Spice Rub:
- 1½ teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground chipotle chile powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Cooking Liquid:
- 1 onion, quartered
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 12 ounces Mexican beer or chicken broth
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (from 2–2½ medium oranges)
- ⅓ cup fresh lime juice (from 2–3 small limes)
Directions:
- Marinate the Pork:
- Mix the spice rub ingredients in a small bowl.
- Rub the spices onto the pork pieces and let them marinate for up to 2 hours (optional).
- Sear the Pork:
- Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” and add a drizzle of oil. Once hot, sear the pork pieces in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Pot:
- Add onions to the pot and sauté for 1–2 minutes, then stir in the garlic until fragrant.
- Deglaze the pot with beer or broth, scraping the browned bits from the bottom.
- Cook the Carnitas:
- Return the pork to the pot and add the orange juice, lime juice, cinnamon stick, and oregano.
- Seal the lid, set the valve to the pressure position, and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes (16–17 minutes for high altitude).
- Perform a quick release, then shred the pork with two forks.
- Crisp the Carnitas:
- Preheat your oven to broil. Spread the shredded pork on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Drizzle a bit of the cooking liquid over the pork and broil for 7 minutes. Flip the pork and broil for an additional 5 minutes for extra crispiness.
Nutrients:
- Serving Size: 1 serving (out of 6 servings)
- Calories: 492 kcal
- Protein: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 483mg
These Instant Pot Carnitas are perfect for Taco Tuesday or meal prep! Pair them with tortillas, rice, beans, and your favorite toppings for a delicious, restaurant-quality meal right at home.
Exploring the Magic of Easy Instant Pot Carnitas: A Perfect Mexican Delight
Introduction
Easy Instant Pot Carnitas offers a tantalizing twist on the traditional Mexican pulled pork dish, bringing vibrant flavors, succulent textures, and an irresistible crispiness to the table. Rooted in Mexican culinary traditions, carnitas is a versatile dish with endless serving possibilities, whether you prefer tacos, burrito bowls, or hearty rice plates. This recipe not only simplifies the cooking process through the Instant Pot but also enriches the pork with a symphony of spices and a zesty citrus-infused broth, resulting in a meal that delights every palate.
The Art Behind Carnitas
Carnitas, which translates to “little meats,” originates from Michoacán, Mexico. Traditionally, pork is slow-cooked in lard until tender and then crisped to perfection. The dish reflects Mexico’s rich culinary heritage, characterized by bold flavors, aromatic spices, and a commitment to transforming simple ingredients into extraordinary meals.
This Instant Pot version retains the essence of authenticity while making the process more accessible for home cooks. By combining modern convenience with timeless flavor, it ensures that even those with busy schedules can enjoy a taste of Mexican tradition.
A Symphony of Flavors
The recipe’s flavor profile is both dynamic and harmonious. A blend of warm spices like cumin, oregano, and chipotle chile powder creates a robust seasoning base, while the cooking liquid—comprising fresh orange and lime juice, beer or broth, and aromatic additions like garlic and cinnamon—infuses the pork with depth and brightness. This balance of savory, citrusy, and smoky notes is the hallmark of great carnitas.
Crisping the shredded pork under the broiler is the final touch that elevates the dish. This step not only mimics the traditional frying method but also introduces a delightful contrast between tender meat and crispy edges, a texture that is both satisfying and indulgent.
Why Use the Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot revolutionizes the preparation of dishes like carnitas, which typically require hours of slow cooking. Here’s why it shines for this recipe:
- Time Efficiency: What could take hours in a traditional slow cooker or oven is accomplished in just over an hour, including prep and broiling time.
- Flavor Infusion: The high-pressure environment intensifies the flavors of the spices and cooking liquid, ensuring every bite of pork is rich and aromatic.
- Versatility: The Instant Pot’s sauté function allows you to sear the pork directly in the pot, eliminating the need for extra pans and enhancing the depth of flavor.
Versatility at Its Finest
One of the standout qualities of this dish is its adaptability. These carnitas can be the star of countless meals:
- Tacos: Served in warm corn or flour tortillas, garnished with onions, cilantro, salsa, and a squeeze of lime.
- Burrito Bowls: Layered over rice and beans, topped with guacamole, sour cream, and shredded cheese.
- Nachos: Spread over tortilla chips with melted cheese, jalapeños, and your favorite toppings for a crowd-pleasing snack.
- Salads: Paired with fresh greens, avocado, and a tangy dressing for a lighter option.
This versatility makes the recipe ideal for meal prep, as it provides a flavorful protein base that can be repurposed throughout the week.
Health and Nutrition
Despite its rich flavor, this recipe maintains a balanced nutritional profile. With 27 grams of protein per serving, it’s a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and satiety. The citrus juices contribute antioxidants like vitamin C, while the use of fresh spices and garlic adds anti-inflammatory properties. By choosing lean cuts like pork tenderloin or trimming excess fat from shoulder or butt cuts, the recipe becomes even more health-conscious without compromising on taste.
Tips for Success
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: While optional, marinating the pork in the spice rub enhances its flavor, allowing the spices to penetrate the meat more deeply.
- Don’t Skip the Searing: Browning the pork in the Instant Pot adds a caramelized layer of flavor that enhances the final dish.
- Customize the Crispiness: For those who prefer a softer texture, skip the broiling step. For maximum crunch, broil in small batches for even crisping.
- Experiment with Liquids: Swap Mexican beer for chicken broth or even cola for unique flavor twists.
Conclusion
Easy Instant Pot Carnitas encapsulates the heart of Mexican cuisine: bold flavors, comforting textures, and a sense of culinary adventure. By modernizing the traditional cooking method without sacrificing authenticity, this recipe invites home cooks to enjoy the rich heritage of carnitas in a fraction of the time.
Whether you’re hosting a Taco Tuesday gathering, meal prepping for the week, or simply seeking a quick yet delicious dinner option, these carnitas are sure to impress. The combination of tender, juicy pork with crispy edges and a medley of vibrant spices is nothing short of a flavor masterpiece. Enjoy the freedom to customize and create with this versatile dish—your next favorite meal awaits!
Print
Easy Instant Pot Carnitas
Description
Easy Instant Pot Carnitas are a tender, juicy, and flavorful take on a traditional Mexican pulled pork dish. These carnitas are seasoned with warm spices, braised in a zesty citrus and beer-infused broth, and finished with a crispy texture. Perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, or rice plates, this recipe is incredibly versatile and can also be made in a slow cooker or oven.
Ingredients
For the Pork:
- 2–3 pounds pork tenderloin, shoulder, or butt (trimmed and cut into large cubes)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
For the Spice Rub:
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground chipotle chile powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Cooking Liquid:
- 1 onion, quartered
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 12 ounces Mexican beer or chicken broth
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (from 2-2 1/2 medium oranges)
- 1/3 cup fresh lime juice (from 2-3 small limes)
Instructions
- Marinate the Pork:
- Mix the spice rub ingredients in a small bowl.
- Rub the spices onto the pork pieces and let them marinate for up to 2 hours (optional).
- Sear the Pork:
- Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” and add a drizzle of oil. Once hot, sear the pork pieces in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Pot:
- Add onions to the pot and sauté for 1–2 minutes, then stir in the garlic until fragrant.
- Deglaze the pot with beer or broth, scraping the browned bits from the bottom.
- Cook the Carnitas:
- Return the pork to the pot and add the orange juice, lime juice, cinnamon stick, and oregano.
- Seal the lid, set the valve to the pressure position, and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes (16–17 minutes for high altitude).
- Perform a quick release, then shred the pork with two forks.
- Crisp the Carnitas:
- Preheat your oven to broil. Spread the shredded pork on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Drizzle a bit of the cooking liquid over the pork and broil for 7 minutes. Flip the pork and broil for an additional 5 minutes for extra crispiness.
- Category: Dinner